MLS Cup Preview: FC Dallas Clear Favorite?

Another year and another all Western conference MLS Cup finale is upon us. Last year’s match had much in common with tonight’s match between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. That match saw underdog Real Salt Lake surprise star-studded L.A. Galaxy. Could we be in for another surprise?

Real Salt Lake barely made the playoffs and were underdogs throughout the playoffs. They went on the road in the conference final and beat a very good Chicago Fire team and followed that up with a penalty shoot-out win over the Galaxy in the finale.

Colorado is in a similar position as the 2010 Real Salt Lake club. Colorado was the seven seed in the playoffs and won as underdogs against Columbus. They were home favorites against San Jose and took care of business to get to the finale.

Like RSL, Colorado is a significant underdog against FC Dallas. The Hoops took out 2010 champions Real Salt Lake and dismantled 2010 runners-up and Cup favorite L.A. Galaxy in the Home Depot Center last week. Dallas has been excellent throughout the season and their form has continued in the playoffs. They can score through the build up or on the counter. With Kevin Hartman in goal they are extremely tough to score on.

With all that said, does Colorado stand a chance? On paper it is not close. Outside of Forward the Rapids do not have the advantage in any area. MLS MVP David Ferreria leads the Dallas midfield in attack and could be the difference in the match.

Match Points:

– Omar Cummings and Conor Casey have the advantage over the Dallas backline. These guys drove the Rapids playoff race. Cummings’ ability to stretch the defense will be tough to deal with for the Hoops.

– Kevin Hartman has been spectacular this season (he was robbed of the goalkeeper of the year award in my opinion). Hartman could be the difference in the match as Casey and Cummings will create chances. The former Sporting K.C. keeper came up huge for Dallas stopping every Galaxy chance in the conference finale. Will he be able to do it again?

– MLS MVP David Ferreria is an amazing talent. Because he plays in Dallas he is not as well known as someone like Landon Donovan or Freddie Ljunberg. Despite the lack of attention Ferreria is every bit the talisman those players are for their clubs. Jeff Larentowicz will be tasked with shutting him down and the MLS All-Star will have his hands full.

Overall, I think FC Dallas will just be too much for the Rapids. The Rapids’ Cummings and Casey will get their chances though and the match could come down to if Hartman can play one more excellent match. Dallas will create their chances and have shown throughout the season that they can finish. Against Hartman I do not expect the Rapids to do the same.

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